Last Christmas day was very mild. We had had a wood burner and were unsure how to lay it etc. Son came on a visit and demonstrated - it was so mild we were sitting there in T-shirts and windows open to cool down while it burnt

Put mini greenhouse in big one Raised tender plants up on veg crates bought earlier. Put out a blackbird food tray raised up and covered with old hanging basket to prevent wood pigeons - was that your idea as well Jo?- weighted chains with bricks in case wind gets up. OH is out chopping wood, fire is laid. Wrapped some bubble wrap was around a pressie from Amazon yesterday (recycling) around pot with a hardy fuschia in and draped fleece over it in case this severe weather come.

Ok - Put up mini greenhouse (found out its called a pot greenhouse) inside big greenhouse and put more tender plants in it raised up on some veg trays bought earlier. Have told OH he has to have soup tomorrow for lunch so that I have a tin to put a candle in. Have candles -they are chunky and were in the little bit of sun we had in the summer and melted and are misshapen so will use those for heat source only on coldest of days(nights). Feel well satisfied with that - now will just have to wait and see if it works

I think Jo you are really a mine of good sound economical gardening advice Pat on the back

Sorry realised when out that I was so busy wondering who Scrooge was I forgot to say HI to Kate

Just been up to our local shops - like a proper village centre and today was Christmas Market day. it is organised by the traders for local charities - Santa was in the travel agents, face painting in the toy shop (that's a good money earner) Hairdressers were wondering round in costumes, one was an Easter bunny, and the puppet show was outside the undertakers, which was decorated with flags!

At greengrocers bought 3 plastic veg trays for £1, and then bought local water and cider for some Chrissie pressies..

Still not sorted out frost protection in greenhouse, but there is the rest of the day,